Abstract
This paper is concerned with the water system and water utilization around the Kanazawa castle in Edo era (1603-1867). The water system consists of rivers, moats, and channels. The castle lies between the Asano-river and the Sai-river, where the former is on the north side, whereas the latter on the south side. The castle is surrounded in double by moats, viz., Sogamae-bori, from the east and west sides.There are four smaller moats inside Sogamae-bori, and eight channels outside it.
In addition to the military purpose, it is realized that the water in Kanazawa has been used for drink, fire fighting, snow melting and clearing, irrigation, garbage dump, sewerage, brewage, paper making, enjoyment and dyeing.
It is concluded that the wide variety water usages in Kanazawa have been made possible by the high quality water in large amount and intelligent persons who could develope new ways of the water usage skillfully. It is suggested that the possible interaction of these persons and the clean water running in the system has enhanced the birth of artistic handicrafts and philosophies, representing our society.
This study may uncover some useful knowledges buried for a long time concerning water resources, disaster prevention, construction and environmental problems.
